On Monday, Aug. 31, Sheriff Jim Hammond spoke to the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club. Using emotional rhetoric, he depicted Islam as a "social order" of which America must beware. Its ultimate goal, he claimed, is to infiltrate and take over our government, to convert us to an Islamic state, using any means to achieve this.
Hammond said he plans to confer with other Tennessee sheriffs to alert them to the dangers of Islam. He ignored the fact that the United States has for nearly a century been attempting to force, through war, our political system on foreign countries.
Following the 9/11 attack on New York's Twin Towers, the Bush-Cheney administration fueled anti- Muslim sentiments and fears that legitimized our invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, neither of which were involved in the attack.
As a result of our operations in these countries, at least 200,000 innocent civilians - men, women and children - were killed, and more than 5,000 American servicemen died.
According to Hammond, Muslims are building tax-free Islamic Cultural Centers throughout the U.S. at an alarming rate, implying that these will be used for nefarious purposes.
Why is it acceptable for Christians to build and operate tax-free facilities, farms, insurance companies, banks, and resorts, as well as Super Pacs for political purposes?
With twisted logic, alarmism, and prejudice, the Sheriff's speech seems designed to inflame the passions of the ignorant and misinformed.
Chuck Mehan
East Ridge
* * *
I used to like Sheriff Jim Hammond and I have written him several letters in support of his administration, but I have to agree with Chuck. He's right on the mark.
Donald Woods....Knoxville
* * *
Perhaps the Sheriff through his experiences has learned that Islam is a form of government disguised as a religion where Christianity has not.
I agree with your use of the word "misinformed" because obviously many are.
Jay Smithers